The 2026 Cocoa Beach Air Show will open Saturday, April 11, and run through Sunday, April 12, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing to mark America’s 250th birthday. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Cocoa Beach oceanfront. The Blue Angels’ aerial demonstration is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, with performances visible from the Cocoa Beach Pier to the Minutemen Causeway. This will be the first air show in Brevard County to directly tie into the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to organizers.
The air show will include military jet demonstrations, aerobatic stunts, and static displays of historic and modern aircraft. The Blue Angels’ performance will focus on formations and maneuvers that highlight the team’s precision flying. Spectators on the beach or near the causeway will have unobstructed views of the aerial acts. Local officials said the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors, with parking available at nearby lots and shuttle services operating from the Cocoa Beach Causeway.
The show follows a tradition started in 1983, when the first Cocoa Beach Air Show drew crowds to watch the Blue Angels. This year’s event will include additional exhibits on aviation history, including displays from the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will be available on the beach. No tickets are required for general admission, though some areas near the static displays may require passes.
The Blue Angels’ appearance is part of a broader effort to engage the community in celebrating the nation’s bicentennial. The team’s demonstration will include a special formation honoring the 250th anniversary, which will be visible from the ocean. Local businesses along the beach are preparing for increased foot traffic, with some extending hours and offering themed promotions. The event is expected to generate significant economic impact for the area, according to Brevard County tourism officials.